914 replies to this topic

[lewislorenzo]

This. Verstappen’s temerity in beating Hamilton to the WDC in a worse car despite being punted off in Silverstone will not be forgotten by the British ‘fans’ for quite some time.

Going OT now but Newey doesn’t agree…

[Laptom]

Going OT now but Newey doesn’t agree…

 

But Toto agrees.

[Laptom]

I think a lot has changed after Silverstone. The racing till then was hard but fair in my opinion in both ways. The problem was that afterwards it was not discussed and mutually agreed to leave it behind. No regret or apologies how things were handled from Mercedes camp, no open monologue from RB only blaming. 

Things became more intense after this and de-escalation was not looked for. It didn't helped that the Merc car became stronger & stronger after Silverstone and with the extra engines used by Merc, RB was on the backfoot (mid season pitstop strategy changes, legal wing changes, loosing massive points by Merc bowling, etc). 

Max needed to race with his elbow outs at that time, which went mostly on the line, sometimes over the line. It was hard, but refreshing after those dominant years.

This hard racing was not seen anymore since the early 00 and in last century. Something people don't know or remember it anymore. But again, Max was 90% of the time within the rules and sometimes things backfired wrongly (I think Monza is a great example of that). But people, this is racing and I can only enjoy it. 

The problem I have with all the discussions (same as with soccer nowadays), the Gladiator effect is getting less & less. The boundaries will be more strict and less freedom is given. This also reflects on the fan bases (driver, teams and/or Formula itself), for which it is easier to have a podium (because of social media) and the media which don't report the facts as neutral, but as colored (a reporter does not report any more, but has it own agenda). This leads to reduced respect and extreme behaviour in these type of events.

 

People who are saying this is already ongoing for decades are wrong. I have been to a lot of races (also different series) and I'm doing my own fair share of non-professional racing, but there was always respect. 

What I hear (and see on TV) the last 5 years on circuits, it is crazy. People in the Miami singing "Fxxx you Max", or calling his mother a whxxx, is really out of the line. This event is another bad example of things going south.

 

I have been in Italy before, and yes, there was always fun and jokes and bullying on the circuit if you're not for Ferrari or Ferrari driver, but there was always respect. Nowdays, I will not travel to Italy or Silverstone in a race weekend or events due to this. Expecially not together with children.

[BRG]

Funny that nobody seems to remember the loveable "Orange Army" of a couple of years back with their smoke flares,  harassment of other fans and general despicable behaviour.  Although of course, as they weren't British, that was all OK.

 

This thread has morphed into the latest anti-British attack.  We generally have two or three such threads  a year, so maybe some more to look forward to!  

Edited by BRG, 26 February 2025 - 09:57.

[Laptom]

Funny that nobody seems to remember the loveable "Orange Army" of a couple of years back with their smoke flares,  harassment of other fans and general despicable behaviour.  Although of course, as they weren't British, that was all OK.

 

This thread has morphed into the latest anti-British attack.  We generally have two or three such threads  a year, so maybe some more to look forward to!  

 

The harassment issues in Austria were fan ladies from another team making up the story. I hope you have read that memo...

If you want to know the "another team", let me know in PM. I don't want to address it here (although you can find it back in the search function of the form).

 

And yes, the "Orange Army" was bad in 2022 in Austria when Lewis crashed (in qualifying I think?). But it was more a cheer, than a boo, still same respectless reaction.

Also in 2021 in Zandvoort there was a less then 5sec boo'ing at the introduction of Lewis, which automatically overpowered by the majority of the "Orange Army" into a loud clap and cheering. Also the organization made it really clear during the days, that they all race as One. Lewis also made it very clear in 2021 and 2022 that he was welcomed very positive. The overpowering was a great energy to feel and see. I think that was partly the reason why Lewis found himself welcome, because it was a genuine action.

 

About the smoke, perhaps this is indeed not appropiate. I don't think this is pointing anything bad to any driver. It is more an (incorrect) way to show respect the Max. If you ever seen New Year in the Netherlands, you know this is quite normal overthere. Still, the smoke is now forbiden in Zandvoort (you saw less in 2024), not sure about Austria were it was also bad.

 

So even though, they were not British. It was not OK, and actions have been rolled out to improve. Furthermore, it is not only pointing to Brits. The Miami crowd in 2023 & 2024 was also not the example of perfect behaviour. Italy was also more extreme this year.

Edited by Laptom, 26 February 2025 - 14:32.

[lewislorenzo]

And yes, the "Orange Army" was bad in 2022 in Austria when Lewis crashed (in qualifying I think?). But it was more a cheer, than a boo, still same respectless reaction

I don’t remember you complaining about booing back then…

[FirstnameLastname]

Looks like this one-off will become a yearly thing

‘The 25th grand prix’… venues tripping over themselves to host

Ker ching!

https://www.motorspo...ow-up/10704507/

[chdphd]

Boo

[Stephane]

I thought it was the plan from the start.

[Anja]

Not much of a surprise really. 

[PayasYouRace]

You’re not obliged to watch it. If it doesn’t appeal simply ignore it. That’s what I did this year.

[BRG]

Yes, I am happy for people to waste their hard-earned cash to attend these events if it pleases them, but I will simply pass it by.  

[pdac]

Yes, I am happy for people to waste their hard-earned cash to attend these events if it pleases them, but I will simply pass it by.  

 

I'm happy for people to waste their hard-earned cash, even if it doesn't please them. Their choice (but they won't see me there)

Edited by pdac, 18 March 2025 - 12:44.

[JimmyClark]

You’re not obliged to watch it. If it doesn’t appeal simply ignore it. That’s what I did this year.

 

True, but it meant for a really disjointed build up with no daily launches to keep interest through February, even if they tend to be liveries these days anyway, and then we were unsure of what teams' plans were as to the actual car reveals. It just seemed so much less organic than usual, with much less 'buzz' through February. 

 

But I guess they won't be able to do a livery-only launch next year, as 2026 liveries on clearly 2025 cars will look stupid. 

[Stephane]

Isn't there an FIA mockup or something like for the current cars ?